Ofcom staffer investigated over data breach

The former Ofcom staffer offered this information to his new employer.

The U.K. Office of Communications (Ofcom) suffered the largest data breach in its history when a former employee offered to give sensitive information from Ofcom to his new employer.

Ofcom, which is the independent regulator and competition authority for U.K. communications industries, told The Guardianthat on Feb. 26 the agency became aware that a former worker attempted to misuse third-party data concerning dozens of TV companies that was collected by Ofcom. The U.K. newspaper cited a person with knowledge of the letter as saying the person could have downloaded up to six years of data prior to leaving Ofcom.

The former Ofcom staffer offered this information to his new employer, an unnamed TV broadcaster, believing it could give them a competitive edge. The broadcaster declined the offer and informed Ofcom. This action breached the person's contract he had with Ofcom.

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